Like a lot of visitors, for years I had overlooked Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park on my visits to Key West because it is tucked away out of sight. But the historic fort and great beach are worth discovering.
Florida State Parks
Stories about Florida State Parks
Articles about Florida State Parks include camping, kayaking, canoeing, boating, fishing, hiking and bicycle riding.
Anastasia State Park seduces. Stunning beach, shady campground.
Anastasia State Park’s four-mile beach shimmers in the Florida sun. Surfing, swimming, bicycle on the beach, coastal forest camping and paddle the lagoon a stone’s throw to historic St. Augustine.
Gold Head Branch State Park: Unsung treasure with cabins, camping
Gold Head Branch State Park has long been on my radar, a small dot on the map with a curious name in the middle of nowhere — yet close enough to Gainesville to be a camping option on game weekends. (We found dozens of campsite and cabin openings for every game this year.)
These 12 state parks are less visited but among the best to discover
We’ve picked 12 Florida State Parks that are off-the-beaten path and less well-known. From the Keys to the Panhandle, explore these fascinating spots. Each averages fewer than 150 visitors a day.
Florida cabin rentals in state parks: Like camping, but with comfort
One of the best places to enjoy nature is in a cabin in a Florida state park. But the cabins book up fast, so you have to plan ahead. Our guide explains which parks have cabins, what they offer and what they cost.
Myakka River State Park: One the best state parks for wildlife, hiking, kayaking & camping
Myakka River State Park in Sarasota is one of the oldest and best state parks. Folks who love outdoor recreation can do it all here — camping, hiking, kayaking, biking, wildlife viewing.
Lake Kissimmee State Park: Away from it all and back in time
This large state park offers great hiking and one the best campgrounds in a Florida State Park. It’s in a rural, out-of-the-way part of Central Florida where history comes alive in its 1876 cow camp.
Lovers Key State Park bounces bounces with beach, trails and visitor center ready for visitors
Lovers Key State Park is a treasure in Fort Myers Beach. You can kayak a mangrove-lined trail and stroll an unspoiled 2.5 mile beach. The park has recovered from Hurricane Milton and its devastating storm surge a year ago.
Stump Pass Beach State Park reopens 11 months after Hurricane Milton
Discover a less well-known string of islands — Gasparilla Island, Don Pedro Island and Manasota Key. Each holds a spectacular state park with top beaches.
Wakulla Springs State Park: Chill in a spring at an Old Florida lodge
Wakulla Springs State Park has a historic lodge, spectacular spring/swimming hole, scenic boat rides and many spots to hike, bike and kayak nearby. The Big Bend region of Florida is often overlooked by visitors, who are missing out on a rustic, rural area.